My assignment to do a new hike each week is, ittedly, one of the perks of my job. But it also means that I sometimes don’t return to tried-and-true hiking spots for months on end.
That has been the case with the Sweetwater Interpretive Loop, part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge located near Jamul. I used to frequently run the loop or visit for an easy evening stroll, since it reminded me of a favorite trail network in my former home of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Sweetwater trail became such a staple in my mind that I assumed I’d written about it for this hike of the week column sometime over the last few years.
Luckily for me, I hadn’t, which gave me a great excuse to return to the refuge this week.
I’m so glad I did. Since I’d last visited, a large section of the trail has been moved and revamped, now featuring a few wooden walkways along a well-maintained path. But the aspects I love about the area haven’t changed. It’s still easy to access, with multiple parking options, and still offers peaceful views of the expansive open space and flowing Sweetwater River.
The route I followed was an easy 2.4-mile loop, though there are several paths that intersect with the outer loop trail, so hikers can choose their own adventure. This trail also connects to the county’s Sweetwater River Regional Trail for hikers who want a longer walk.
There are two parking lots from which hikers can begin the journey. One is a gravel lot located at 12155 Campo Road that is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the spring through fall, and until 5 p.m. in the winter.
The other lot is located just south of Singer Lane, off Campo Road. This is where I parked. There are no time restrictions on parking here, plus it lets hikers first walk over the Sweetwater River Bridge, built in 1929.
If following my route, start by walking south on the bridge for about 500 feet before coming to a trail on the righthand side. Take this trail into the refuge. Hikers will under shady trees and over a small creek before coming to an open field with intersecting trails.
Here, I chose to keep walking straight on a trail that heads south. The trail eventually began to curve west and up a small hillside, presenting even better views of the space. It was slightly rocky in sections, but still remained easy.
At an intersection around the 1-mile mark, I continued west on a path that lined the river and offered relaxing sounds of the flowing water.
Hikers will reach another wooden bridge at the 1.3-mile mark. They can cross it and follow a service road that leads back to the parking lot, but it es near a sewage treatment plant. I wanted to avoid any potential bad odors and stay on a trail, so I decided to turn around here.
On my return hike, at the intersection I encountered previously, I followed the path that headed northeast and rounded out the loop. It connected with the start of the trail, where I followed the Sweetwater River Bridge back to my car.
